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Arcade offers gaming fun in Cornersburg
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Cornersburg gaming haven New Age Arcade and Games recently opened i to offer community and friendly atmosphere to gamers for a fair price. On Sept. 17, New Age owner Rick Krell showed off some of his facility's gaming systems with the help of his daughter, Ava Krell.
By SARAH FOOR
It may seem that fans of video games prefer to be alone as they go on epic virtual quests or search for an online enemy. Being a gamer himself, owner Rick Krell of the recently-opened New Age Arcade and Games in Cornersburg knows that most gamers actually do want to be part of a community.
“I know from experience that playing solo gets lonely very quickly. The kids that visit New Age love to be around people that play — they really start to work together once things get going. It’s a natural alliance that forms. I want to provide that community feeling for them,” said Krell.
At New Age Arcade and Games, Krell strives to offer a complete gaming experience at an affordable price. For only $2 an hour or $5 for a day pass, guests can enjoy arcade machines, pool, air hockey and use of X-Box, Playstation 3, and Wii consoles and a variety of games. Krell hosts gaming tournaments, overnighters and parties and provides food, drink and supervision during the events.
Krell said the idea for a video game cafe grew from his own experience as a gamer.
“Video game cafes exist all over, but no one around here offered it. To participate in major league gaming tournaments, local gamers have to travel all the way to Columbus. To me, it looked like a big hole in the market. Having a place for gaming and tournaments in the Valley makes it far easier for local gamers, and even some from Cleveland and Pittsburgh, to join that community,” said Krell.
Although the Cornersburg business is barely out of its first year, Krell has big dreams for his arcade. He hopes to continue to renovate his space at 3373 Canfield Road in Cornerburg and add more arcade selections, and separate game rooms for parties or for quieter play in smaller groups.
“I’d like to start other branches down the line and add features like my own game sales and release parties here at New Age. I want us to absolutely be the best spot for anyone who loves video games,” Krell shared.